Japanese Kaiken Dagger With Signed Tang

[Uhlan]

From the estate of a WW2 Veteran. I believe this is a kaiken type dagger.
The blade measures 7 3/8 inches from where it joins the grip. Overall the blade including the tang measures 9 3/4 inches. It is signed on the tang, and the blade has some characters on it as well. Any information on this will be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[Uhlan]

2

2

[Uhlan]

3

3

[Uhlan]

4

4

[Uhlan]

5

5

[Brian Robinson]

Souvenir/tourist piece, maybe a homage trinket from a shrine.

[Beater]

The tang appears to read Kaneuji Saku. This type of dagger were reputedly carried by some Japanese officers. Fuller and Gregory acknowledge this - for personal protection. The common claim being that they were carried by Kamikaze but I believe that is more often exaggerated than fact.
If it was a WW2 bring-back, it may be assumed that it is a Showa era piece. There was a Showa smith named Yoshida Kaneuji, an inhabitant of Seki. The style of mei resembles oshigata 197 in Swordsmiths of Japan 1926-1945, so may be him? He sometimes used a hot stamp and used yasuki steel in his swords.
I can't see a clear hamon but the scuffing may be hiding something. No idea what the blade inscription says - perhaps Guy will see this and oblige.
It's not the best I've seen, neither is it the worst...seen blades without mekugi, just glued into the tsuka.

Have a look here-
http://www.japaneseswordindex.com/dirks.htm

[juoneen]

Looks like it may have had some black writing on the left side of the scabbard, not sure if this kind of scabbard is considered a shirasiah or not? still a very nice score, and if ther are family left to contact I would go back and see what they know about where their dad found this, and on what island or ??

[GHP]

...perhaps Guy will see this and oblige.....

大和魂
Yamatodamashī
Soul of Japan


--Guy